One thing, among many others, that has always impressed me with the church at Samaria is the unity we possess. Unity suggests the oneness and harmony we enjoy as a congregation of God’s people. If we were to ever fail in having this, disaster awaits. Even Jesus said, “And if a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand” (Mk. 3:25). Notice a few reasons why we must have unity.

To Obey God’s Commands: Unity among God’s people is not optional – it is commanded! Paul commanded, “That there should be no schism (division – DCE) in the body” (1 Cor. 12:25). Sometimes, when brethren will not get along with each other, people will ask, “How do they think they are going to get along in heaven?” The answer – they do not have to worry about it, they won’t be there because they failed in following God’s commands!

To Promote Edification: A church at peace provides the right environment for spiritual edification to occur. Notice the connection Paul made between the two: “Therefore let us pursue the things which make for peace and the things by which one may edify another” (Rom. 14:9). Further, when everyone is united and working together, edification will be the result. The apostle taught this when he said, “From whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love” (Eph. 4:16).

To Enjoy Good: Anyone who has ever experienced church problems has a great appreciation for the true blessing found in unity. God recognizes this as well. The Psalmist said, “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!” (Ps. 133:1). To that, I heartily say, “Amen!”

David Eldridge